Tampon insertion device

Abstract

The tampon insertion device according to the present invention includes a barrel having an insertion end portion and a proximal end portion opposite the insertion end portion and having a continuous side wall extending therebetween that defines an interior area. A tampon is initially positioned in the interior area of the barrel. The tampon insertion device includes a plunger slidably coupled to the barrel that has a first end engaging a proximal end of the tampon, the plunger having a cylindrical configuration selectively slidable from a starter configuration extending away from the proximal end portion of the barrel to a deployed configuration positioned downstream inside the interior area of the barrel. Pressure applied to the plunger causes the plunger to urge the tampon downstream within the interior area of the barrel. The tampon insertion device, i.e. the tampon applicator, is constructed using a material consisting essentially of hemp plastic.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A tampon insertion device for insertion of a tampon, comprising:
 a barrel having an insertion end portion and a proximal end portion opposite said insertion end portion and having a continuous side wall extending therebetween that defines an interior area; and 
 a tampon initially positioned in said interior area of said barrel; 
 wherein said barrel consists of a hemp-fiber reinforced biopolymer. 
 
     
     
       2. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 1 , wherein said barrel is biodegradable. 
     
     
       3. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 2 , wherein said insertion end portion includes multiple lines of separation configured to separate and define an open end when said plunger is moved toward said deployed configuration. 
     
     
       4. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plunger operably coupled to said barrel and having a first end engaging a proximal end of said tampon, said plunger having a cylindrical configuration selectively slidable from a starter configuration extending away from the proximal end portion of the barrel to a deployed configuration positioned inside the barrel; 
 wherein pressure applied to said plunger causes said plunger to urge said tampon downstream within said interior area of said barrel. 
 
     
     
       5. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 4 , wherein said plunger consists of a hemp-fiber reinforced biopolymer. 
     
     
       6. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 5 , wherein said biopolymer of said plunger is the same as said biopolymer of said barrel. 
     
     
       7. A tampon insertion device for insertion of a tampon, comprising:
 a barrel having an insertion end portion and a proximal end portion opposite said insertion end portion and having a continuous side wall extending therebetween that defines an interior area; 
 a tampon initially positioned in said interior area of said barrel; and 
 a plunger operably coupled to said barrel and having a first end engaging a proximal end of said tampon, said plunger having a cylindrical configuration selectively slidable from a starter configuration extending away from the proximal end portion of the barrel to a deployed configuration positioned inside the barrel; 
 wherein said barrel and said plunger are comprised of about 1-100 wt % of a hemp-fiber reinforced biopolymer; 
 wherein pressure applied to said plunger causes said plunger to urge said tampon downstream within said interior area of said barrel. 
 
     
     
       8. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 7 , wherein said barrel is biodegradable. 
     
     
       9. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 8 , wherein said barrel comprises about 1-99 wt % of said biopolymer and about 1-99 wt % of said hemp fibers. 
     
     
       10. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 7 , wherein said plunger is completely biodegradable. 
     
     
       11. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 10 , wherein said plunger comprises about 1-99 wt % of said biopolymer and about 1-99 wt % of said hemp fibers. 
     
     
       12. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 7 , wherein said insertion end portion includes multiple lines of separation configured to separate and define an open end when said plunger is moved toward said deployed configuration. 
     
     
       13. A tampon insertion device for insertion of a tampon, comprising:
 a barrel constructed of hemp plastic material comprising at least one biodegradable polymer and a plurality of hemp fibers, said barrel having an insertion end portion and a proximal end portion opposite said insertion end portion and having a continuous side wall extending therebetween that defines an interior area; 
 a tampon initially positioned in said interior area of said barrel; 
 a plunger consisting of hemp plastic material comprising at least one biodegradable polymer and a plurality of hemp fibers, said plunger being operably coupled to said barrel and having a first end engaging a proximal end of said tampon, said plunger having a cylindrical configuration selectively slidable from a starter configuration extending away from the proximal end portion of the barrel to a deployed configuration positioned inside the barrel; 
 wherein pressure applied to said plunger causes said plunger to urge said tampon downstream within said interior area of said barrel. 
 
     
     
       14. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 13 , wherein said at least one biodegradable polymer of said barrel is the same as said at least one biodegradable polymer of said plunger. 
     
     
       15. The tampon insertion device as in  claim 13 , wherein said insertion end portion includes multiple lines of separation configured to separate and define an open end when said plunger is moved toward said deployed configuration.